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Important Dates
Tuesdays this Summer, 6:15-7:15: Teen Yoga Club, KVYMCA Manchester Campus. From athletes to rock stars, yoga is a popular thing to do to give you strength and stamina and help manage stress. Pay by the class, register for the full session, or use your KVYMCA Fit Pass. Your first class is free to try. FMI: Call 207-622-9622 or 207-626-3488.
Summer Sports Camps, KVYMCA. KVYMCA is offering a variety of sports camps for youth ages K-12. Each week will be dedicated to a different sport including baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, and field hockey. For exact dates & times and registration, contact Kelly Thompson at kelly@kvymca.org or Jasmine Carey at jasmine@kvymca.org or call 207-622-9622.
July 10-12: 21st Annual Maine Bike Rally, Fryeburg Academy. Three days of more than 30 rides from 5 to more than 100 miles, plus a full weekend of family entertainment. Camping & meals available. FMI: visit www.bikemaine.org or call 207-623-4511.
July 11 & 18 and August 8 & 15, 9:00-10:00: Super Sports Saturdays, KVYMCA. Youth ages 3-5 can learn and play a variety of sports. FMI & Registration: Contact Kelly Thompson at kelly@kvymca.org or Jasmine Carey at jasmine@kvymca.org or call 207-622-9622.
 July 25, 8:00-11:00 & 1:00-4:00: Preserving the Harvest, Vassalboro Grange. These hands-on food preservation workshops teach basic steps like how to use pressure canners and water bath canners. Fresh produce and canning jars provided. Fee: $10 Call 1-800-287-1471 or e-mail lelwell@umext.maine.edu to register by July 17. July 25: 8th Annual Maine Lobster Ride & Roll, Rockland High School. Choose from 4 distance options, enjoy a Lobster Roll lunch, and watch live Tour de France coverage at the end. Proceeds support the Bicycle Coalition of Maine's safety & education programs. FMI: visit www.bikemaine.org or call 207-623-4511.
July 27-31: Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Summer Institute. The focus this summer will include school gardens, aquaculture, entomology, dairy, beef, horses, crops, and more. Educators receive 42 hours of re-certification credits. The $200 registration fee (by June 30th), covers lodging, travel, and meals for five days, plus curriculum. FMI: E-mail maitca@maine.gov or call 207-287-5522.
August 1, 9:00-3:00: Electronics Recyling, Gardiner Area High School Parking Lot. Drop off your old unused electronics for FREE recycling. Accepted items include: TVs, cell phones, computers, DVD players, and more. FMI: Call 207.582.3298 or visit http://healthycommunitiesme.org/news.html
August 4-6: Maine School Food Service Association Summer Conference, Sunday River. This annual conference is a wonderful opportunity for school food service professionals to network, attend workshops, and earn certification credits. Registration $150 includes meals. FMI: Visit www.mainesfsa.org.
August 7, 9:00-4:30: Connecting Classrooms to Curriculum: From Arugula to Zucchini K-12 Conference, Gorham Middle School. Several breakout sessions and opportunities to hear from nutrition, gardening, and curriculum experts. Fee: $15 includes a delicious local lunch. FMI and registration information: Go to www.mofga.org.
August 11-14: KIDS Consortium Service Learning Institute, Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch, Auburn. A practical, hands-on course designed to help educators create standards-based units with authentic application for students in all subject areas. Participants receive the KIDS As Planners Guidebook full of service learning resources. Meals provided. Earn up to 3 graduate credits. FMI: visit www.kidsconsortium.org.
Third Mondays of the Month, 10:00 AM: La Leche League Mother to Mother Breastfeeding Support Group, 202 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. Please call Katherine in advance to let her know you are coming. 207-582-8250.
November 9-10: Maine Youth Action Network 26th Annual Peer Leadership Conference, Augusta Civic Center. Join over 400 7th-12th grade youth and their adult advisors from across the state for an inspiring two days of workshops, activities, training, and team building. Conference participants learn new skills, network with other groups, and learn about local and statewide initiatives and resources that can support their efforts throughout the year. Participants leave feeling inspired and informed, ready to take action back home! FMI and registration information: Go to www.myan.org.
November 10-11: Maine Youth Action Network 6th Annual Anti-Tobacco Summit, Augusta Civic Center. This FREE two-day event mobilizes 7th-12th grade youth and their adult advisors from across Maine to come together to fight the battle against tobacco. Attendees take part in various workshops and activities to help them gain information, resources, skills, and connections to fight tobacco in their communities and homes. FMI and registration information: Go to www.myan.org. |
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Our Towns
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Augusta
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Chelsea
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Farmingdale
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Fayette
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Gardiner
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Hallowell
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Litchfield
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Manchester
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Monmouth
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Mt. Vernon
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Pittston
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Randolph
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Readfield
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Richmond
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Vienna
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Wayne
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W. Gardiner
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Windsor
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Winthrop |
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HCCA
Board of Directors
Rebecca West Dick, Chair
Cindy T. Flye
Rob Gordon
Chuck Hays, Treasurer
Bill McKenna
William McPeck
Kathi Wall
Jim Wood, Secretary
Mark Yerrick
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Welcome to the July issue of Youth News This issue is dedicated to schools, youth serving organizations, and anyone concerned about the health and wellbeing of our children. You are invited to submit articles, ideas, and event announcements to rpage@mcd.org
If you forward this newsletter, please use the Forward email link at the bottom of the page.
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Smoke-Free Places 
Thank you to members of the first 124th Legislative Session who once again made increasing the number of smoke-free places in Maine a priority. Effective this summer, patrons can enjoy smoke-free dining at all eating establishments in Maine, including picnic areas. This legislation was based upon an existing ordinance in Portland that disallowed smoking in outdoor dining areas before 10:00 PM. The new statewide law goes a step further to protect diners 24 hours per day.
In addition to eateries, visitors to all Maine state parks, beaches, trails, historic sites, and rest rooms can also enjoy smoke-free air. Beginning in September, the law prohibiting smoking in vehicles with children present will be punishable by a fine.
If you or someone you know needs help quitting tobacco, call the Maine Tobacco Help-Line for support. 
Breathe easy, you're in Maine. |
 Farmers' Markets
In spite of the rain and cool temperatures, farmers across the region are offering their bounty at local farmers' markets. Visit one near you and treat yourself to fresh nutrient-rich ingredients.
New farmers' markets have opened in Wayne and Winthrop and the recently-erected pavilion at the Mill Park Farmers' Market in Augusta offers shelter from the sun (and rain) to shoppers and vendors. Vendors at the Gardiner Farmers' Market on the Common now accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) participants. This service is a tremendous opportunity for consumers and vendors. SNAP participants now have access to fresh and healthful locally grown foods, while farmers enjoy revenue from a formerly inaccessible source.
Dates & Times of Local Markets:
- Augusta, Turnpike Mall: Wednesdays & Saturdays 10:00-1:00 WIC Accepted
- Augusta, Mill Park: Tuesdays 2:00-6:00 WIC Accepted
- Gardiner, Common: Wednesdays 2:00-6:00 WIC & SNAP Accepted
- Hallowell, Water Street: Sundays 11:00-3:00
- Wayne, Mill Pond: Sundays 9:00-11:30
- Winthrop, Union Street: Tuesdays & Saturdays 9:00-1:00
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Winthrop Youth Voices Project Demonstrates the Toll of Tobacco Use
Members of the Winthrop High School Youth Voices group completed Project 300, raising awareness of the dangers of tobacco use. Students collected and displayed more than 300 pair of shoes to symbolize the number of lives lost to tobacco every 6 hours in the United States. At a school-wide assembly students recited all of the toxic chemicals added to tobacco products that help keep users addicted. The youth advocates' dramatic presentation encouraged their peers to avoid tobacco use and not succumb to the lies of big tobacco companies.
Project 300 is just one of many projects and initiatives that Youth Voices advocacy groups do to raise awareness, affect policy, and change perceptions about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among youth. If you are interested in forming a Youth Voices group or would like to learn how Healthy Communities of the Capital Area supports youth advocacy groups in our local schools, contact Renee Page at rpage@mcd.org or 207.588.5020. |
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Grant and Funding Opportunities
Budget cuts and a suffering economy has put a damper on funding for many wellness initiatives. Here are some wonderful grant opportunities to help supplement those dwindling budgets.
Phoenix Farm Community Supported Agriculture Phoenix Farm in Monmouth has increased the number of CSA shares available for the 2009 growing season. CSAs are a wonderful way to eat more locally grown foods as well as support the local economy. FMI: Contact Nancy Chandler 207-933-9370 or visit www.monmouthgrows.com
Bikes Belong Grant Program The Bikes Belong Grant Program strives to put more individuals and communities on bicycles more often by funding projects that increase access to and build momentum for bicycling in communities across the US. Projects can include bike paths, lanes, routes, bike parks, mountain bike trails, BMX facilities, and large bicycle advocacy initiatives. Applicants may apply for up to $10,000 for facility and advocacy projects. Application deadline is August 24, 2009. FMI: www.bikesbelong.org/grants.
K-12 Green School Projects KIDS Consortium received $93,000 in grant funding from State Farm for an environmental education initiative in Maine and New England. Grant funds will be used to support "Green" projects at K-12 schools, such as energy efficiency and recycling. Students involved in these projects will have an opportunity to participate in a 2010 Green Schools Student Summit where they will share their projects with students from around the region. Application deadline is August 31, 2009. FMI: visit www.kidsconsortium.org/greenschools.php.
Hooked on Hydroponics Education Grants The Grow Store and ProgressiveGardening.org have joined the National Gardening Association to offer hydroponic equipment to expand indoor gardening opportunities for students ages 6-18. Thirty-six schools will receive equipment and learning materials for hydroponics projects that involve at least 15 children during the 2010 school year. Application Deadline is September 18, 2009. FMI: visit www.kidsgardening.com/grants/HOH.asp.
Disney's Planet Challenge
Healthy Sprouts Award Do you plan to have a youth garden program in 2010? If so, the Healthy Sprouts Award supports school and youth garden programs that teach about nutrition and the issue of hunger in the United States. Applications are due October 17, 2009. FMI: visit www.kidsgardening.com and click on grants.
Dara's Fund The Dara Fund mini-grant applications for service learning are available Spring and Fall. This initiative, inspired by Dara Kaufman's life, is meant to encourage young people in New England to take action to make their schools and communities caring, supportive, and environmentally sustainable places. The fund will support K-12 service learning projects that focus on issues that were important to Dara. Applications are due Fall 2009. FMI: visit www.kidsconsortium.org/minigrants.php.
Youth Garden Grants Program The National Gardening Association and The Home Depot provide Youth Garden Grants to schools and community organizations with child-centered garden programs. An estimated 100 $1000 or $500 grants will be awarded. Eligible applicants include schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, and intergenerational groups throughout the US. Projects must involve at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18 years old. Application deadline November 2, 2009. FMI: visit www.kidsgardening.com/YGG.asp. |
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Thank you for your commitment to the health and wellbeing of our children. Please let us help you make connections to improve lives across our southern Kennebec communities.
Sincerely,
Joanne Joy, Director
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Renee Page, School & Youth Program Manager
Healthy Communities of the Capital Area
A Local Healthy Maine Partnership
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